A Plea For Our Mother

Uranus enters Taurus 15th May 2018, returns to Aries 6th November 2018, then returns to Taurus 6th March 2019

Eris, the dwarf planet first discovered in January 2005, has been taking her time to seep into the collective psyche, sometimes wilfully ignored due to her challenging message. She speaks of visceral matters such as violence and revenge. Eris will fight to the death if she must and is active in revolution, warfare and the objectification of the ‘other’ which enables humankind to oppress, exploit and kill, often with seeming impunity. She is the violent struggle for survival, the ‘kill or be killed’ aspect of Mother Nature and the sheer bloody-minded tenacity of life even in the direst of circumstances. Eris dishes out retribution for transgression of natural laws and seeks revenge for wounds inflicted. She is a powerful force of cosmic nature, reaching out to wake us up to our potential for both violent resistance and peaceful but unmitigated struggle. She suffers no fools, takes no prisoners and refuses to back-down in the face of even the greatest forces stacked against her.

We all have a bit of Eris in us, but whether we meet her face to face depends upon our capacity to accept the ‘darker’ sides of our nature: violent impulses, deep-seated hatred and yearnings for revenge. If we struggle to recognise that, given the right circumstances, we too can become the terrorist, the oppressor, the revolutionary who sees blood spilt as an acceptable price for freedom, we will project Eris onto the world around us, fearing ‘the other’ who threatens us with their dearth of moral boundaries and lack of humanity. Eris brings into sharp relief the temptation to only see others as the problem, to project our own wild rage or vengeful spirit onto ‘them out there’.

Despite her raw power Eris speaks also of victimhood: an experience which can catalyse the impulse to rise-up, reset the balance of power and reclaim lost ground. This is the primal reaction to a loss of liberty and self-determination. Eris straddles the powerlessness of being subject to someone else’s malice and the remedial power of revenge, only for that revenge to trigger on-going cycles of conflict. She wants her own back, but is powerless to avoid being subject once more to the same impulse in another. Through Eris we reach the point of acceptance that sometimes people simply do terrible things and we must finally walk away if we want any semblance of peace. But for all that, she will fight for the disenfranchised and strengthen our spirit to stand against those who abuse their position. And perhaps most important of all, she enables us to stand strong in defence of our precious Mother Earth who is subject to the greatest and most sustained attack of all.

When Chiron in Pisces aligned with Eris in Aries between February 2016 and April 2017, we were coaxed into a deeper appreciation of what it means to be nature becoming aware of itself. The primal instinct and vital force that fuels our existence is also that which kills for food or to protect its young. It is the destruction of an earthquake, the boiling lava of a volcano, the devastation of a hurricane and monsoon rains beyond the land’s capacity to cope. Mother Nature can be a fearsome warrior as much as she is our mother. We must be too, at times, to protect her from the excesses of humanity’s obsession with its own desires.

Chiron remains in Pisces for a while longer, joining Eris in Aries in April, returning to Pisces in September, then arriving in Aries proper in February 2019. Chiron in Pisces and Eris in Aries make unusual bed-fellows, with Chiron so deeply compassionate and Eris so ardently militant! But together they reflect two powerful forces in the human spirit: the will to survive no matter what and the movement towards dissolution of self and compassion for all beings. They affirm that we must come through this together, for there is no merit in one prospering on the back of another’s demise. We cannot be separated when it comes to the crunch. I am you, you are me, we are all this planet and we reap as we sow, if not now, eventually.

As Chiron straddles the boundary between the final sign of the zodiac (Pisces) and the first (Aries) throughout 2018, it exhorts us to step-up our protection of this beautiful planet and honour, not exploit, her bounty. It reminds us time is short but healing change can be swift if we’re prepared to take the plunge, gather our courage and resolve to live differently now, not once our backs are so flat against the wall we simply have no choice. Mother Earth has suffered shockingly as a result of human ignorance, denial and narcissism for way too long. She lies bleeding at our feet and still we look away. But no more. Once Uranus begins its entry into Taurus in May 2018, the extent of our planet’s unbridled rage and unbounded love will become apparent in equal measure. There’s already no going back, and by then moving forward with planet earth’s well-being front and centre will be an undeniable imperative. Whatever our personal challenges, our own private wounds and intimate struggles, we must attend to our relationship with our Mother first and foremost if we are ever to know true peace.

February 2018 Horoscope: A Mixed Bag

Read your monthly horoscope for February 2018

Romance fills the air after February 10 thanks to Venus moving into gentle, mystical Pisces. Until March 6, everyone will either be looking for their ultimate soul mate or holding on to the fairytale romance they already have. The magic heightens on February 21 when Venus and Neptune embrace, creating a hypnotic spell for all in matters of the heart. Will you be swept away?

A stunning Solar Eclipse in Aquarius on February 15 will be at a gorgeous link to Uranus, the lord or ruler of this Eclipse. This rare and favorable connection promises a new start in group-related or humanitarian endeavors, as well as the ability for you to finally begin pursuing that quirky aspiration you’ve held in your heart for way too long.

If you have any important action to take, wait until after the hazy energy of February 17 passes. Mars will square off with Neptune at this time, creating more confusion and mixed messages around action taken. This will prove frustrating not only for you, but for anyone else in your environment trying to get anything important off the ground. It’s a better idea to use this cycle for imaginative pursuits rather than anything connected to your major goals and ambitions. Sexual fantasies might also be more interesting than your sexual reality at this time, so if there’s a disappointing experience in bed, know that it’s only temporary.

The month comes to a close with some frustrating communication links. Mercury and Neptune align on February 25, and Mercury will square off with Mars on February 28. There might be a conversation you have with someone that misleads you during these days. If so, you may become quite angry and argumentative about it. In fact, your words will bite.

Your Horoscopes for Thursday, February 8th

Aries

Aries

This is a day in which you may be itching to do, feel, or experience something new, dear Aries, with the Moon in your adventure sector approaching alignment with Mars. You might also feed a hunger for knowledge. Because you’re primarily focused on taking action, you may be learning through experience or meditating in motion now for best results. You find it more comfortable than usual to go after what you want today, and it’s likely that few people, if any, will interfere. In fact, a Sun-Mars connection suggests a very creative way of pursuing your desires now. You might get fired up about a belief or idea today. You’re a natural leader, making it an opportune time to take the initiative, and you’re in great shape for approaching friends. Brilliant ideas about new projects or ventures can come to mind now.

Taurus

Taurus

The Moon moves into your intimacy sector, dear Taurus, stimulating a need to look more deeply into matters, as well as to explore your feelings more intensely. Emotions can be inflamed but internalized as the Moon moves towards an alignment with Mars. It can be an exciting day on intimate or emotional levels, but also brilliant for ideas related to work, reputation, or career matters and long-term goals. It’s an excellent time for strategy related to these things and for maneuvers and plans that move you into a more favorable light or position with others. Today can also be a good time for productivity, research, and analysis. The need for more glamor, mystery, or emotional excitement in your life becomes obvious today. You may be more sensitive to imbalances of power, and you might quickly become fired up if you experience frustrating power dynamics.

Gemini

Gemini

The Moon moves into your partnership zone today, dear Gemini, and will spend a couple of days here. Mars is already here, and with this combination, there can be a noticeable increase in demands placed on you from other people or animated interactions and feelings in your relationships. A significant encounter might occur. Brilliant ideas are likely today, mainly related to higher education, belief systems, and publishing. Important players may seem to be holding power now, at the very least over your attention. Keep in mind that with your partnership zone highly activated, you can get a fuller picture of your issues if you take another’s point of view into account. Any conflict stirred now may be more about what you’re not accepting in yourself than about other people or outside circumstances. Although overly hasty or rash actions taken now might rebound on you, some healthy risk-taking might help you to break the routine and get you out of a rut. A Mercury-Uranus connection is excellent for networking, sharing ideas, stimulating conversations, and coming across useful information.

Cancer

Cancer

The Moon moves into your work and health sector today, dear Cancer, and you’re inclined to see life for its details and problems. With Mars in this sector of your solar chart already, you can quickly become charged up about these things, either to your advantage or disadvantage! This can be an especially productive time for work, health, and practical affairs if you’re poised to take action on the flaws, problems, and details that seem to be amiss. If you tame impulsiveness, acting on a health matter or pushing yourself just a little to improve your fitness efforts can be welcome now. For others, there can be a strong desire to become more organized and efficient. If you are feeling restless, pouring energy into little projects can help since you have an emotional need to keep busy or to accomplish something constructive. It’s also a powerful time for research and analysis. You’re in an excellent place for finding creative answers or solutions to problems now.

Leo

Leo

The Moon moves into your sector of fun and games today, dear Leo, and you’re likely to gravitate towards recreational or leisure activities. Or, you’re ready to find ways to mingle, create, and share. With Mars already in this sector, this can be an emotionally charged time, as the Moon and Mars act to fire up your passions in a mostly pleasant way in this area of your solar chart. If you find yourself frustrated or restless, it may be that you need a proper channel for expressing yourself. This combination, as well as a Sun-Mars quintile active today, increase your resourcefulness and confidence. Your instincts are great, but you’re also in a beautiful position to strategize and make plans. You react well to competition and may very well be the favored party now.

Virgo

Virgo

The Moon moves into your home and family sector today, dear Virgo, and eventually bumps into Mars there. This combination is emotionally exciting, stimulating you into action. Sometimes, it can prompt a bit of combativeness, particularly with those closest to you, but if channeled constructively, this extra energy can be highly useful. On an emotional level, you’re in great shape for insight into others’ motives and desires, even if they are doing their best to keep these things to themselves. You may be inclined to want to stick around the home or do familiar things, but you can also decide to pour energy into home-related projects or family activities. The desire to initiate a long-term project frequently emerges with the fourth house, where both Mars and the Moon are in your solar chart right now. On another level, you may be eager for support, nurture, or comfort, and you go out of your way to find these things. Or, you can feel particularly motivated to make personal improvements. Your senses are working overtime now. Ideas related to work and health coming to you today can be brilliant.

Libra

Libra

The Moon moves into your communications sector today, dear Libra. Mars is already in this area of your solar chart, stirring your enthusiasm or passion for learning and connecting, as well as for your ideas. As such, with Moon-Mars here, there can be a busy, buzzing theme to the day. It may be that you have many projects and activities that you are juggling now, or that you’re going all out with a particular project or personal interest. There can be more spontaneity in your communications, and this can be of great benefit, particularly if you need a bit of extra courage to get something off your chest. While this emotional transit might lead to impulsive moves and speech, you have a very strategic Sun-Mars connection helping you out in this regard today, and you’ll probably quickly figure out that pushing something won’t get you closer to achieving what you want. You might feel a special camaraderie with a partner or friend today, chiefly through shared interests or direct communications.

Scorpio

Scorpio

The Moon moves into your solar second house today, dear Scorpio, and you may be especially interested in attending to prized personal possessions or building up a project, business, or venture. Mars is already in this area of your chart, and with the Moon and Mars meeting here, a desire for taking action or starting something new can take hold. It may be that a money or ownership matter grabs your attention, and you need or want to handle it immediately, or take clear steps towards resolving a problem. There is some tendency to identify strongly with what you own, or there can be a sense that you need to prove yourself to someone, and conflicts may arise. However, you’re also very concerned about quick resolutions, and you’re in a great position to take care of business that you might avoid entirely on another day. While the Moon and Mars both incline towards impulsiveness, a Sun-Mars connection today can help you get very creative with your plans and strategies, helping you make the right moves. This can be a very resourceful time when you are inclined to make the most of what you have.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius

The Moon moves into your sign today, dear Sagittarius, and your emotional needs come into sharper focus. With Mars already in Sagittarius and the Moon heading towards alignment with Mars, you can quickly become all fired up today! It can be easy to get a rise out of you, and you’re in a fabulous position for taking the initiative. It can be an emotionally brave or spunky day, although perhaps a little impatient at times as well. You have the self-confidence and backbone to go after what you want, and with a creative Sun-Mars connection active as well, you can choose to do so through direct communications most successfully now. Interference from others is unlikely with the kind of natural confidence you’re displaying. You are more resourceful and less demanding of people around you, and others respect your boundaries and independence.

Capricorn

Capricorn

The Moon moves into your soul sector today, dear Capricorn, and for today and the next couple of days, you’re likely to need to tie up loose ends and attend to your private life or process recent events before a new cycle begins. Mars is already in this area of your solar chart, and with Mars and the Moon building towards an alignment, a lot of your energy is channeled into private matters. Or, much is going on behind the scenes in your life. Your dreaming life and memories may be playing a stronger role than usual. Emotions are all fired up, and the need to take action can overcome you now. Finding ways to renew your energy and heal yourself can be most successful now.

Aquarius

Aquarius

The Moon moves into your social sector today, dear Aquarius, and you can experience a distinct need to decompress from professional demands or recent responsibilities. Mars is already in this sector of your solar chart, stimulating your inventive, innovative nature. Today, the itch to do something new and unusual or to get a project rolling is building. While you tend to be quite independent-minded today, group activities and cooperative efforts may very well help you achieve your goals more efficiently at the moment. You may be defending someone or a belief with enthusiasm and vigor. You might enjoy helping others now. It’s an excellent time for coming together with a partner, as well, or for teaming up to accomplish something worthwhile.

Aries

Aries

This is a day in which you may be itching to do, feel, or experience something new, dear Aries, with the Moon in your adventure sector approaching alignment with Mars. You might also feed a hunger for knowledge. Because you’re primarily focused on taking action, you may be learning through experience or meditating in motion now for best results. You find it more comfortable than usual to go after what you want today, and it’s likely that few people, if any, will interfere. In fact, a Sun-Mars connection suggests a very creative way of pursuing your desires now. You might get fired up about a belief or idea today. You’re a natural leader, making it an opportune time to take the initiative, and you’re in great shape for approaching friends. Brilliant ideas about new projects or ventures can come to mind now.

Taurus

Taurus

The Moon moves into your intimacy sector, dear Taurus, stimulating a need to look more deeply into matters, as well as to explore your feelings more intensely. Emotions can be inflamed but internalized as the Moon moves towards an alignment with Mars. It can be an exciting day on intimate or emotional levels, but also brilliant for ideas related to work, reputation, or career matters and long-term goals. It’s an excellent time for strategy related to these things and for maneuvers and plans that move you into a more favorable light or position with others. Today can also be a good time for productivity, research, and analysis. The need for more glamor, mystery, or emotional excitement in your life becomes obvious today. You may be more sensitive to imbalances of power, and you might quickly become fired up if you experience frustrating power dynamics.

Gemini

Gemini

The Moon moves into your partnership zone today, dear Gemini, and will spend a couple of days here. Mars is already here, and with this combination, there can be a noticeable increase in demands placed on you from other people or animated interactions and feelings in your relationships. A significant encounter might occur. Brilliant ideas are likely today, mainly related to higher education, belief systems, and publishing. Important players may seem to be holding power now, at the very least over your attention. Keep in mind that with your partnership zone highly activated, you can get a fuller picture of your issues if you take another’s point of view into account. Any conflict stirred now may be more about what you’re not accepting in yourself than about other people or outside circumstances. Although overly hasty or rash actions taken now might rebound on you, some healthy risk-taking might help you to break the routine and get you out of a rut. A Mercury-Uranus connection is excellent for networking, sharing ideas, stimulating conversations, and coming across useful information.

Cancer

Cancer

The Moon moves into your work and health sector today, dear Cancer, and you’re inclined to see life for its details and problems. With Mars in this sector of your solar chart already, you can quickly become charged up about these things, either to your advantage or disadvantage! This can be an especially productive time for work, health, and practical affairs if you’re poised to take action on the flaws, problems, and details that seem to be amiss. If you tame impulsiveness, acting on a health matter or pushing yourself just a little to improve your fitness efforts can be welcome now. For others, there can be a strong desire to become more organized and efficient. If you are feeling restless, pouring energy into little projects can help since you have an emotional need to keep busy or to accomplish something constructive. It’s also a powerful time for research and analysis. You’re in an excellent place for finding creative answers or solutions to problems now.

Leo

Leo

The Moon moves into your sector of fun and games today, dear Leo, and you’re likely to gravitate towards recreational or leisure activities. Or, you’re ready to find ways to mingle, create, and share. With Mars already in this sector, this can be an emotionally charged time, as the Moon and Mars act to fire up your passions in a mostly pleasant way in this area of your solar chart. If you find yourself frustrated or restless, it may be that you need a proper channel for expressing yourself. This combination, as well as a Sun-Mars quintile active today, increase your resourcefulness and confidence. Your instincts are great, but you’re also in a beautiful position to strategize and make plans. You react well to competition and may very well be the favored party now.

Virgo

Virgo

The Moon moves into your home and family sector today, dear Virgo, and eventually bumps into Mars there. This combination is emotionally exciting, stimulating you into action. Sometimes, it can prompt a bit of combativeness, particularly with those closest to you, but if channeled constructively, this extra energy can be highly useful. On an emotional level, you’re in great shape for insight into others’ motives and desires, even if they are doing their best to keep these things to themselves. You may be inclined to want to stick around the home or do familiar things, but you can also decide to pour energy into home-related projects or family activities. The desire to initiate a long-term project frequently emerges with the fourth house, where both Mars and the Moon are in your solar chart right now. On another level, you may be eager for support, nurture, or comfort, and you go out of your way to find these things. Or, you can feel particularly motivated to make personal improvements. Your senses are working overtime now. Ideas related to work and health coming to you today can be brilliant.

Libra

Libra

The Moon moves into your communications sector today, dear Libra. Mars is already in this area of your solar chart, stirring your enthusiasm or passion for learning and connecting, as well as for your ideas. As such, with Moon-Mars here, there can be a busy, buzzing theme to the day. It may be that you have many projects and activities that you are juggling now, or that you’re going all out with a particular project or personal interest. There can be more spontaneity in your communications, and this can be of great benefit, particularly if you need a bit of extra courage to get something off your chest. While this emotional transit might lead to impulsive moves and speech, you have a very strategic Sun-Mars connection helping you out in this regard today, and you’ll probably quickly figure out that pushing something won’t get you closer to achieving what you want. You might feel a special camaraderie with a partner or friend today, chiefly through shared interests or direct communications.

Scorpio

Scorpio

The Moon moves into your solar second house today, dear Scorpio, and you may be especially interested in attending to prized personal possessions or building up a project, business, or venture. Mars is already in this area of your chart, and with the Moon and Mars meeting here, a desire for taking action or starting something new can take hold. It may be that a money or ownership matter grabs your attention, and you need or want to handle it immediately, or take clear steps towards resolving a problem. There is some tendency to identify strongly with what you own, or there can be a sense that you need to prove yourself to someone, and conflicts may arise. However, you’re also very concerned about quick resolutions, and you’re in a great position to take care of business that you might avoid entirely on another day. While the Moon and Mars both incline towards impulsiveness, a Sun-Mars connection today can help you get very creative with your plans and strategies, helping you make the right moves. This can be a very resourceful time when you are inclined to make the most of what you have.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius

The Moon moves into your sign today, dear Sagittarius, and your emotional needs come into sharper focus. With Mars already in Sagittarius and the Moon heading towards alignment with Mars, you can quickly become all fired up today! It can be easy to get a rise out of you, and you’re in a fabulous position for taking the initiative. It can be an emotionally brave or spunky day, although perhaps a little impatient at times as well. You have the self-confidence and backbone to go after what you want, and with a creative Sun-Mars connection active as well, you can choose to do so through direct communications most successfully now. Interference from others is unlikely with the kind of natural confidence you’re displaying. You are more resourceful and less demanding of people around you, and others respect your boundaries and independence.

Capricorn

Capricorn

The Moon moves into your soul sector today, dear Capricorn, and for today and the next couple of days, you’re likely to need to tie up loose ends and attend to your private life or process recent events before a new cycle begins. Mars is already in this area of your solar chart, and with Mars and the Moon building towards an alignment, a lot of your energy is channeled into private matters. Or, much is going on behind the scenes in your life. Your dreaming life and memories may be playing a stronger role than usual. Emotions are all fired up, and the need to take action can overcome you now. Finding ways to renew your energy and heal yourself can be most successful now.

Aquarius

Aquarius

The Moon moves into your social sector today, dear Aquarius, and you can experience a distinct need to decompress from professional demands or recent responsibilities. Mars is already in this sector of your solar chart, stimulating your inventive, innovative nature. Today, the itch to do something new and unusual or to get a project rolling is building. While you tend to be quite independent-minded today, group activities and cooperative efforts may very well help you achieve your goals more efficiently at the moment. You may be defending someone or a belief with enthusiasm and vigor. You might enjoy helping others now. It’s an excellent time for coming together with a partner, as well, or for teaming up to accomplish something worthwhile.

Pisces

Pisces

The Moon moves into your career and reputation sector today, dear Pisces, and you have business — or responsibility — on your mind. It eventually meets Mars, already in this sector, and this creates quite a charge, inspiring you to take action or make a mark. This is a day for feeling large and in charge! You can have a rush of desire to take action on your goals or to get important things done, and you’re likely to feel stronger for accomplishing something tangible right now. You’re focused on the long-term now. At this time of the lunar month, you could be feeling that all eyes are on you. You can’t seem to escape attention! This might give you a wake-up call to areas of your life in which you’ve been a little slack. For the most part, you can do quite well under pressure today. A Sun-Mars connection helps tame the impulsive and impatient qualities of Moon-Mars and puts you in a great position to strategize with confidence.

Pisces

Pisces

The Moon moves into your career and reputation sector today, dear Pisces, and you have business — or responsibility — on your mind. It eventually meets Mars, already in this sector, and this creates quite a charge, inspiring you to take action or make a mark. This is a day for feeling large and in charge! You can have a rush of desire to take action on your goals or to get important things done, and you’re likely to feel stronger for accomplishing something tangible right now. You’re focused on the long-term now. At this time of the lunar month, you could be feeling that all eyes are on you. You can’t seem to escape attention! This might give you a wake-up call to areas of your life in which you’ve been a little slack. For the most part, you can do quite well under pressure today. A Sun-Mars connection helps tame the impulsive and impatient qualities of Moon-Mars and puts you in a great position to strategize with confidence.

If You Were Born Today, February 8

There is nothing modest about your ambitions, although you are generally patient enough to pursue your long-term goals. You also have the drive and spirit to achieve success. You are a responsible and respectable person who believes in being fair to all. You are confident and frank, but also friendly and tactful. Work is extremely important to you, and you have little patience for those who don’t do their fair share. You possess much stamina. Others can truly count on you! Famous people born today: James Dean, Seth Green, Lana Turner, Mary Steenburgen, Nick Nolte.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

Your birthday occurs around a Third Quarter Moon this year, and you are reaching an important turning point in terms of personal growth. You may be more emotional this year, and should watch for unnecessary conflicts and making hasty decisions as a result. Otherwise, this is a year of greater understanding and a strong desire to take care of business. This should be a busy, dynamic period in your life.

Especially good energy is with you for debate or energetic mental work. You benefit from an active and clear mind this year. This can be a good year to eliminate wasteful activities. You may be involved in frequent lectures, debates, and discussions during the year. You can convey your ideas more powerfully than usual. You are quick to take the initiative and to put your thoughts into action. Adventuresome travel may be part of the picture. You may be more actively involved with young people.

You are willing to put in the effort for a mental interest or project, and you can feel pleasantly dedicated to your work or ideas. You are more able to focus on what you’re doing and communicating and are more inclined to notice and consider details.

This is a time when you feel confident and supported enough to pursue your desires. It’s a good period for making yourself feel more secure and safe, as well as for family or domestic activities. This is also a period when you more readily support or defend others.

You are seeking out equal, fair, and balanced relationships. There can be a stronger inclination towards togetherness and sharing, creating harmony, and sharing power now. You may gain an advantage in business or finances or by promoting harmony and beauty.

You’re in a particularly good position for social meetings and events this year. You’re inclined to happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements as well as financial undertakings. This could be a good year for financial undertakings involving electronics, technology, the internet, metaphysics, and the arts, as well as group activities. You have a taste for the offbeat this year, and this energy can bring sudden or unexpected romance into your life, perhaps a scenario that feels like love at first sight.

You have a stronger ability to direct your energies into meaningful activities. In some ways, you can be quite self-contained as you pursue passion projects.

This is an excellent period for enterprising endeavors and new interests. You’re drawn instinctively to certain projects that have long-term value. It can be an especially creative, tuned-in year for self-expression, not only verbally but through hobbies, games, or sports. Even so, you’re especially charming and diplomatic, investing much in your relationships. Optimism can run high, but be careful of blind optimism and extravagance.

2018 is a Number Three year for you. Ruled by Jupiter. This is a year of sociability. It is a friendly time when you find it natural and easy to enjoy life and other people. The focus is on personal freedom, reaching out to others, making new friends, and exploration. You are more enthusiastic and ready for adventure than you are in other years. It’s likely to be a rather lighthearted year when opportunities for “play” time are greater than usual. It’s also a favorable year for expressing your creativity. Advice – reach out and connect but avoid scattering your energies.

2019 will be a Number Four year for you. Ruled by Uranus. This is a year of work and development. It’s “nose to the grindstone” time. It’s a time to pay special attention to practical matters, and it’s not a time to be lazy or especially gregarious. Sometimes, it can be a year that feels hard, monotonous and routine, and/or lonely. Positive new relationships are often not formed in a Four personal year. However, it can be a wonderful year for building, development, and laying a solid foundation for future successes. Advice – get yourself organized, work to build your resources, keep busy

Get a Jump on Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, February 9th

Aries

Aries

Early today, there can be difficulty combining your needs for socializing and the demands of your responsibilities, dear Aries, as the Sun in your social sector clashes with Saturn in your career sector. Finding a balance may not be easy at the moment until you decide upon your real priorities. Watch also for falling back on detached communications when a more personal touch would be best. Connections with people with whom you share common goals or interests can be satisfying as the day advances. Positive body language, personal warmth, and willingness to take on challenges are winning themes now. You can feel inspired to do your best. Physical outlets for your energy and activities that keep you engaged and in motion can be especially appealing and satisfying today and tomorrow.

Taurus

Taurus

This morning, you may not be in the best position to push your agenda with a Sun-Saturn influence stirring up some resistance to change, dear Taurus. You may need to slow yourself down and look for errors in your approach before going forward, especially with business or long-term goals. As the day advances, there can be much passion behind the scenes today. You’re in a good position to take care of personal matters and for spending time with family, or you may find it particularly useful or satisfying to become engrossed in research, a book, movie, or anything that provides a nice escape. You may be especially protective of someone or something today. You are courageous when it comes to tackling difficult, complicated, or sensitive topics right now, and you can quite expertly solve a mystery.

Gemini

Gemini

This morning, a Sun-Saturn influence can stir up some stubbornness or resistance, dear Gemini, making it a less than ideal time for reaching an understanding. Consider a more direct approach to going after what you want now, as there is a tendency to worry so much that we make things more convoluted than they need be. As the day advances, your timing improves as confidence builds. A feeling that you can assert yourself without crossing boundaries affords you a good sense of freedom. Others tend to encourage your faith in yourself and your future now. Activities that invigorate you can be satisfying, and may very well involve cooperating with a team or partner which can save a lot of time and bring pleasure to your life to boot. Interactions are at once soothing and inspiring now. Relationships, studies, and conversations can feel good.

Cancer

Cancer

A Sun-Saturn minor challenge this morning can weigh down your interactions with others a little, dear Cancer. People may seem to be demanding a lot from you, making filling your own needs tricky. Avoid pushing things, slow down, and regain your composure. Try to put personal issues and emotions, which can too easily cloud your judgment today, aside so that you can take care of business. The day advances far more confidently, and you’re likely to enjoy a beautiful balance between dynamism and structure. You’re up to quickly resolving problems and facing challenges head-on now. This is a favorable time for releasing tension through physical activity, massage, exercise, or other endeavors that help free the flow of energy in your body as Mars and Ceres form a relationship in earthy houses of your solar chart today.

Leo

Leo

With your ruler, the Sun, in minor friction to Saturn this morning, you may experience frustrations over methods used to accomplish personal tasks, dear Leo. It can be all too easy to become annoyed over minor details. Let go of rigid expectations now for best results. The need to pay some homage to a partnership or partner may arise now as well. Natural confidence is with you as the day advances, with energetic Mars moving into a harmonious angle with Ceres in your sign. Others might especially enjoy your company, and it can be an excellent time for making connections or enhancing bonds. You might find yourself in the position of role model, caregiver, mentor, or facilitator today. Self-improvement efforts can be an active focus.

Virgo

Virgo

This morning, you may be focusing too intently on the physical or practical side of a problem, dear Virgo, when a more holistic approach would serve you better. This week, you may decide to reassess a particular service you provide for the sake of growing and improving on an emotional plane. A Sun-Saturn minor challenge can lead to mixed feelings and mixed messages, mainly due to distractions and divided attention. However, we move towards a Mars-Ceres aspect as the day advances that is wonderful for enhancing bonds and feeling satisfied with family or domestic support and activities. It’s also an ideal time for self-nurturing, and efforts to heal and renew yourself emotionally and physically are highly favored. Forgiveness now is a kindness to yourself, not only others. Creating a dynamic domestic environment that’s at once productive and engaging can be satisfying today and tomorrow.

Libra

Libra

This morning, home-related problems or personal responsibilities can weigh you down a little and prevent you from enjoying yourself to your full potential, dear Libra, as a Sun-Saturn aspect reminds you of your obligations. There may also be a question of whether a friendship or connection to a group is encouraging your growth, or you could feel a little hesitant about expressing an unpopular opinion. As the day advances, you feel less tied to the past and more naturally decisive, and this energy follows you into tomorrow. Confidence in your relationships and projects builds. Team or group activities and contributions can be satisfying. People in your life seem to encourage or inspire you to express yourself more confidently.

Scorpio

Scorpio

This morning, you can be feeling quite sensitive or uncertain about your plans or ideas, dear Scorpio, or you may encounter the need to go back over something and redo or fix errors. Take the time to rework before laying things out for others to critique. A Sun-Saturn challenge early today can pull up resistance to change and people, in general, are a little less open-minded, making it less than ideal for presenting your ideas or your case! As the day advances, problem-solving of the practical variety can be particularly favorable, and you can be quite determined and ambitious as your confidence builds. You may solve a financial or work problem creatively with this faith in yourself and willingness to take on a challenge.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius

Your communications are particularly friendly and personal these days, dear Sagittarius, although this morning, you may crave a little extra peace or order that requires you to tune out distractions. You may be dealing with a situation in which others are slacking off while you’d rather they tend to business. Adjusting your manner may be necessary to get where you want to go now. For some, financial matters may weigh you down. As the day advances, though, you come into your own as Mars in your sign catches a beautiful aspect to Ceres. This can be an active, auspicious time for pursuing a course, interest, or connection. Others tend to help build your confidence through their support, particularly of your ideas or methods, and you are ready to take on virtually any challenge or problem. You’re willing to take the lead, especially if it helps someone out.

Capricorn

Capricorn

This morning, you may need to seek out more realistic and practical solutions to problems, dear Capricorn, and this can be a bit of a downer just for now. With enthusiasm waning, it might appear as if you need to put more effort into chores and tasks that you’d rather not take on. However, do your best not to over-identify with what seem to be slowdowns, failures, and errors. These have little to do with you personally, and more to do with life itself as it is currently demanding that you pay more attention to detail. This is particularly important for you in general since Saturn has been transiting your sign and will continue to do so for a couple more years. As the day advances, you’re less inclined to overthink things and more willing to take positive action. It’s a great time for reconnecting with your inner self. You’re likely to enjoy a nice balance of give-and-take as well as clear boundaries in your close relationships today and tomorrow.

Aquarius

Aquarius

This morning, you may be coming across in such a way that people are seeing you as stronger and less vulnerable than you are actually feeling, dear Aquarius, with the Sun in your sign in minor friction with Saturn. This can lead to some missteps and perhaps even hurt feelings. It’s quite temporary and simply requires some readjustment as you take a moment to look backward before going forward. The tendency to take on more than is necessary is with you now when sharing or delegating may be better for you. As the day advances, you tend to embrace activities rather than overthink things. It’s a good time for strengthening ties with friends and groups, or for working cooperatively towards common goals. Friends or associates can inspire you or encourage you to pursue your goals confidently, and you are filled with enterprising spirit.

Pisces

Pisces

This morning, energy is on the tricky side, dear Pisces, as the Sun and Saturn form an aspect that leaves you feeling divided between the need for personal space and obligations to others. You might also be holding back or trying to avoid tasks, and this doesn’t serve you well in the long run. You’re better off facing what you need to do. As the day advances, confidence builds naturally. We move towards an empowering Mars-Ceres aspect that falls in your work, health, and goals sectors. You’re ready to take charge. Ambition builds pleasantly, and you’re prepared to do whatever it takes to get the job done. It can feel great to achieve and perform at your own pace right now. People tend to follow your lead or let you do your own thing.

Tarot Card of the Day

Page of Swords

February 8th, 2018

This card is traditionally entitled The Page, but in some modern decks appears as a Princess. The traditional interpretation is about a messenger, an emissary or liaison between separate camps, charged with faithfully representing one side’s communications to the other. Because of this role, we do not think of this person as a servant, but rather as a diplomat, facilitating sensitive negotiations, often under difficult conditions.

This person is acting as the eyes and ears of her patron, and so she is sometimes referred to as The Watchman. Even kings are powerless if this messenger chooses to use her access to sensitive information for her own gain, as is implied by her other name, The Spy.

She could even be working as a double agent, playing both sides against each other to serve her own agenda. Her title is really camouflage in itself, serving as protective coloration so she can move among the people unrecognized, collecting information anonymously. Her vigilance often conceals an ulterior motive. She is a watcher who must herself be watched, because she dreams of someday taking matters into her own hands, preempting the plans of her employers.

Tarot 101: How to Do a Year-Ahead Tarot Reading

A Tarot spread for a year … and for any long-term goals!

This 7-card Tarot spread is a powerful tool to see where you’ve been and where you’re going on your personal journey. Here’s the layout and the positions for your very own yearly Tarot reading. This Year Ahead Tarot spread is actually extremely versatile — you can use it to get a deeper look at the new year, or anytime you want to look at long-term goals! Use the power of this Year Ahead Tarot reading to gain insight, get clarity, find resolution, and make a transformation! It’s time to reveal your year ahead!

7-Card Year-Ahead Tarot Spread Positions

Position 1: Your Sunset Card

Lessons from the previous year

This first card in the spread looks at what you’ve accomplished (or not) in the past year. For this card, focus on the past — but with an eye toward using that energy for the future. There is always something to be learned from the past, and it shapes who you are, so let this card take you back for a moment before we move forward.

Position 2: Your Horizon Card

What you can expect in the next year

What do you want to achieve in the next year? What are your biggest hopes and aspirations? Choose your second card, and focus your mind on what you’d like to see happen in your life — whether that’s finding a new relationship, tackling a new career goal, or even just spending more time relaxing. Search inside yourself to determine your highest purpose for the year.

Position 3: Your Obstacle Card

A challenge you’ll face this year

Let’s face it — everything worth having comes with challenges. The important thing is to face them with thoughtfulness and poise. This third Tarot card will give you a glimpse at the type of challenge you may encounter as you strive to achieve the objective you set with the Horizon card.

Position 4: Your Strength Card

How to harness your inner power

Now that you’ve seen your challenges, how are you going to resolve any issues that arise? Let the Tarot cards reveal that in this fourth position. What inner talents and strengths do you possess that can help you? What untapped energies exist that you can use this year? Let this Tarot card guide you and free you from doubt as you find the confidence to succeed.

Position 5: Your Advice Card

Lessons you learned last year

Now that you’ve looked back and determined where you want to go in the future, take a second to examine what you have learned so far. This lesson, whatever it is, will inform your next steps. What is this Tarot card telling you to do now? What happened last year that you want to avoid this year or what happened that you want to repeat? Ask yourself these types of questions as you look at the Tarot card to help yourself understand the lesson it’s trying to impart.

Position 6: Your Navigation Card

Guidance for the year ahead

This is the card you have been waiting for. Look at the Tarot card and ask, “What do I feel right now is the very best action for me to take?” The card’s character should help you focus your mind and your energy. You might want to write down your thoughts, or compile a list of the next steps you want to take on your journey. It’s hard sometimes to see how to reach large milestones, but life is full of small moments that we can use to our best advantage — if we take the time to plan and prepare ourselves now.

Position 7: Your Clarity Card

Your personal theme for the year

Even though you have examined the lessons of the past, chosen your aim, and even looked at how to reach it, you may still need to find clarity. In this case, maybe focus on the big picture — how does all of this fit into your overall life plan? What type of person are you hoping to become? What does this mean for your higher purpose? Use that energy to set your intention for the year to come, and tell yourself exactly what that is, say it out loud and imprint it in your heart and mind.

There you have it! A quick 7-card Tarot spread that will allow you to determine your heart’s desire and achieve your highest goals for the upcoming year.

Your Monthly Tarot Card for February: Strength

Practicing compassion

Being secure in our identity allows us to approach the world with compassion and understanding instead of fear and aggression. Inner strength is often a more helpful resource for navigating the world than brute force. Our ability to apply this type of influence will be either needed or enhanced this month. We must pay close attention in interactions with others and confront our own negative internal dialogue should it attempt to instill self-doubt.

Your Love Tarot Card

The Devil

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Thursday, February 8th

Do you feel caught between the ‘Devil and the Deep Blue Sea?’ This card represents insight and ability to rise above and to surmount obstacles in the way of love. The chains that bind the couple on the Tarot card are loose and symbolic of the ability to slip away if they want to. In this light, they are self-imposed limitations. Break free today if this sounds like your situation.

Your Erotic Tarot Card

The Sun

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Thursday, February 8th

The Sun card shows that you may be feeling a little exposed and vulnerable as parts of your sex life are illuminated, but there is also an overwhelming feeling of warmth and positivity. Once you get over those self-conscious feelings, a wave of self-confidence replaces your fears. No one is out of your reach when the Sun is shining down on you. Embrace your power and don’t be afraid to get naked both emotionally and physically!

Your Daily Influences for the Thursday, February 8th

Tarot Influence

The Seven of Wands

Courage will bring victory. Success seems certain

Astrological Influence

Capricorn

Capricorn denotes a drive to succeed through a pragmatic approach to life

Element Influence

Earth Reversed

Earth reversed denotes a lack of positive connection with the life spirit–a lost soul. If you are not careful you may miss much of what life has to offer you.

Governs:
Strengthening of hamingja (personal gravity, ‘luck’) and life force through courageous deeds
Mystical and religious communication with non-human sentient beings
Communication with other worlds, especially Asgard
Protection/defense
Receiving instruction on the magical potential of the runes
Banishing the fear of death

Your Animal Spirit for Thursday, February 8th

The Wisdom of Buddha

The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought, sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve.

Moon and planets before sunup February 9 to 11

Now the waning moon has swept past Jupiter, and – on the mornings of February 9 to 11, 2018 – it’ll pass Mars and Saturn. You’ll find the planets in the southeast as viewed from the Northern Hemisphere (closer to due east from the Southern Hemisphere).

The king planet Jupiter is not shown on the chart at top, but you can see it in the photos below, or click back to this chart. And – in the early morning sky – you’ll find bright Jupiter to the west of Mars and Saturn.

Both Jupiter and Saturn outshine Mars at present. Jupiter, the brightest morning planet, shines about 17 times more brightly than Mars; and Saturn, the most distant world that you can easily see with the eye alone, shines a bit more than one and one-half times brighter than the red planet Mars in early February 2018. The moon will be closest to Saturn Sunday morning, February 11, by the way.

A bright red star – Antares, brightest star in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion – is also nearby.

The name Antares is derived from the ancient Greek term which roughly translates to like Ares, because the ruddy color of this red supergiant star mimics that of the red planet Mars (the Greek Ares or Roman Mars).

You’ll have an excellent chance to contrast the red star Antares with the red planet Mars in the February 2018 morning sky. It’s often said that stars tend to twinkle while planets shine more steadily. Look to see if this general rule holds true.

Also, notice the brightness of these two objects. They’re about equally bright now, but Mars might look brighter than Antares by February’s end. Mars is going to have a spectacular year in 2018. Start watching it now, and see it get brighter than Antares, or Saturn – or even Jupiter – by late July.

Keep an eye on Mars. It’s going to have a spectacular year in 2018, coming closer to us around late July 2018 than since 2003 … when it was closer than it had been for 60,000 years! Read more about Mars in 2018.

Mars will brighten considerably over the months ahead. It’ll match Saturn in brightness in a little over a month from now. Mars will go on to have a conjunction with Saturn on April 2, 2018.

By July 2018, Mars will exceed Jupiter in brightness!

The moon and the planets of the solar system are always found on or near the ecliptic – Earth’s orbital plane projected onto the celestial sphere. That’s because the moon orbits the Earth, and the planets orbit the sun on nearly the same plane that Earth circles the sun.The change of the moon’s position from day to day is due to the moon’s orbital motion around Earth. The moon revolves around Earth in the same direction that Earth rotates on its axis: from west to east. On the average, the moon travels some 13 degrees per day in front of the constellations of the zodiac. For reference, the moon’s diameter spans 1/2 degree and your fist at an arm’s length approximates 10 degrees.

The moon always moves eastward (in the direction of sunrise) in front of the backdrop stars. Unlike the planets, the moon never goes in a retrograde (westward) direction in front of the stars of the zodiac.

Unlike the moon, the superior planets do move in a retrograde fashion (westward in front of the stars) for a few months each year, as Earth sweeps between them and the sun. You can watch the three planets now in the morning sky – Mars, Jupiter and Saturn – travel in retrograde later this year.

As Earth passes by these outer planets in our smaller and faster orbit, these worlds will appear to go westward in front of the stars. Around the middle of retrograde, a superior planet reaches opposition and shines at its brightest best in Earth’s sky.

We list the retrograde dates for you below. Note that the farther distant the planet, the longer the retrograde

Bruce McClure has served as lead writer for EarthSky’s popular Tonight pages since 2004. He’s a sundial aficionado, whose love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and sailing in the North Atlantic, where he earned his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. He also writes and hosts public astronomy programs and planetarium programs in and around his home in upstate New York.

Explanation: On January 31, a leisurely lunar eclipse was enjoyed from all over the night side of planet Earth, the first of three consecutive total eclipses of the Moon. This dramatic time-lapse image followed the celestial performance for over three hours in a combined series of exposures from Hebei Province in Northern China. Fixed to a tripod, the camera records the Full Moon sliding through a clear night sky. Too bright just before and after the eclipse, the Moon’s bow tie-shapedtrail grows narrow and red during the darker total eclipse phase that lasted an hour and 16 minutes. In the distant background are the colorful trails of stars in concentric arcs above and below the celestial equator.

A Little Humor for Your Day

Excerpts from a Cat’s Diary – Prefers to remain anonymous

Day 752— My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I’m forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

Day 761—-Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving in and out of their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, note must try at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair……must try doing this on their bed.

Day768—I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was given the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called (shampoo). What sick minds could invent such a liquid? My only consolation is the piece of the thumb still stuck between my teeth.

Day 771—There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary confinement throughout the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they called ” Beer”. More importantly I over heard that my confinement was due to my Power of Allergies. Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

Day 774—I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half wit. The bird on-the-other-hand has got to be an informant he speaks with them on a regular basis. I am certain he is reporting on my every move. Due to his placement in a metal room his safety is assured. But, I can watch and I can wait. It is only a matter of time.